Dr Maslin Osathanunkul1
1Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Biography:
Dr. Maslin Osathanunkul is a lecturer and researcher currently based at Chiang Mai University, where she brings a passion for molecular techniques to a wide array of scientific fields. With a Ph.D. from the University of Manchester, UK, she has developed keen expertise in applying molecular tools to explore biodiversity, agriculture, environmental sustainability, alternative medicine, and industrial applications. Her work is characterised by a deep curiosity and a drive to innovate, making her a leading voice in these interdisciplinary fields.
Dr. Maslin is particularly fascinated by environmental DNA (eDNA) studies, focussing on both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Her research is cutting-edge in this emerging field, using eDNA to monitor and understand the complexities of aquatic life in a rapidly changing world. Whether she’s tracking elusive species or assessing ecosystem health, her work is pivotal in shaping conservation strategies and sustainable practices.
Her engaging presentations combine scientific rigour with a clear passion for her subject matter, making her an influential figure in the scientific community. Dr. Maslin’s ability to translate complex molecular data into actionable insights has earned her recognition as a dynamic and innovative scientist. Whether in the lab, the field, or at the podium, she is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what molecular biology can achieve, with a particular focus on using these techniques to address some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
Abstract:
As climate change warms our oceans, most marine life struggles—except for jellyfish, which seem to flourish. Studies reveal that jellyfish thrive in warmer waters, leading to more frequent blooms and expanded habitats. At least nine poisonous jellyfish species pose ongoing threats to the Thai ocean, as their success spells trouble for humans, impacting tourism, fishing, and aquaculture. Each year, numerous reports of jellyfish stings, including some fatalities, highlight the urgent need for better monitoring methods. Current efforts by Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) are insufficient, relying on outdated techniques that fail to accurately map jellyfish distribution. To address this, we developed an innovative eDNA-based survey method to detect the dangerous box jellyfish Morbakka sp. in Thai waters. We compared three cutting-edge approaches: qPCR, dPCR, and CRISPR-Cas12a, using water samples from over 60 tourist beaches in the Gulf of Thailand. Our findings show that dPCR and CRISPR-Cas12a delivered comparable results, with dPCR slightly outperforming the others, while qPCR lagged behind. All sites with previous DMCR records of jellyfish presence were tested positive for eDNA using both dPCR and CRISPR-Cas12a. Though dPCR proved the most effective, its high operational costs make CRISPR-Cas12a a more practical choice. This study not only advances jellyfish monitoring, but also offers critical benefits for tourism safety and marine ecology, potentially saving lives from dangerous stings.